What is U3A?

The University of the Third Age (U3A) movement began in France in the early 1970s. It quickly spread around the world, reaching Australia (Melbourne) in 1984. In 1987 a campus was formed at Nowra in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales. The Milton-Ulladulla campus started in 1988 under Nowra's wing, and became autonomous in 1990.

U3A was founded to provide educational stimulus - learning and teaching - for older people.  In practice, it also has proved to provide a valuable social network since it draws together diverse individuals into an active and vibrant association.

In U3A terms, the First Age is childhood and dependence, the Second is work and home-making … the Third is retirement and consolidation; for many, the Third is accepted as the Age of contentment and satisfaction.

An active mind and a network of social relationships are two factors known to delay ageing and to promote a feeling of well-being following a working life.

U3A provides opportunities for learning and enriching social exchange; it broadens interests and widens circles of acquaintances and contacts.  It is a valuable asset in a local community, particularly if the community contains a large proportion of retired and reasonably active people.

There are no educational standards sought for joining a U3A, and U3As do not grant degrees or qualifications.  They are more like the original concept of a University – people coming together to learn from one another, and to contribute as they can to their like-minded colleagues. Hence, as a member, your level of education is unimportant.

Because our U3A classes are held during the day, being retired from full time work is an advantage for joining U3A. At U3A, learning or teaching is for mental stimulation, social interaction … and fun.

U3A members enjoy intellectual, creative and leisure activities at modest cost; this is because tutors and course leaders come from the membership, and do not charge for their services.  Additionally, members widen their circle of, and make new friends within the campus.

There are about 150 U3A campuses in Australia, and many more in other countries.  Milton-Ulladulla Campus has about 400 members drawn from all walks of life.  New members are always welcome – and all the more so if they are willing to share their knowledge, skill, interest and enthusiasm by volunteering to tutor or to lead a group.